Common Core data bill passes Senate 31-2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Legislation that would require any data collected under Tennessee's Common Core standards only be used to track the academic progress and needs of students has been approved by the Senate.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Dolores Gresham of Somerville was approved 31-2 on Monday evening. The House overwhelmingly approved the legislation 81-9 earlier this month.

The standards are intended to provide students with the critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills needed for college and the workforce. They have been voluntarily adopted by 45 states.

One of the main criticisms of the standards is that they could lead to the sharing of personal student data with the federal government. The proposal seeks to prevent that.